Cheap train tickets from Philadelphia to Raleigh

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Trip Summary

There are usually 4 daily train trips available from Philadelphia to Raleigh. Travelling by train from Philadelphia to Raleigh usually takes 10 hours and 21 minutes, but the fastest Amtrak Carolinian train can make the trip in 8 hours and 46 minutes.

Distance: 345 mi (555 km)
Fastest train: 8h 46m
Lowest price: US$63.00
Trains per day: 4
Most frequent service: Amtrak
Train lines: 2

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Philadelphia to Raleigh Train Timetable

Is it better to travel by coach or train from Philadelphia to Raleigh?

There are usually 12 daily coach trips from Philadelphia to Raleigh.

	Train	Coach
Avg. Price	Avg. PriceUS$157.04	Avg. PriceUS$103.88Cheaper
Daily Trips	Daily Trips4	Daily Trips12
Duration	Duration10h 21m	Duration9h 45mFaster

Train Trip Reviews from Wanderu Customers

Average score for trains from Philadelphia to Raleigh (Based on 1 rating and review)

5.0

lynne

29 September 2022 - Holiday

Amtrak Carolinian

Pros: It was comfortable. An unruly passenger was removed making a us late but I commend amtrak for taking the action they did resulting in a quiet remaining journey Cons: The toilets could be checked more regularly and cleaned

There are several train options that can take you from Philadelphia to Raleigh:

See more details

What is the price of a train ticket from Philadelphia to Raleigh?

In the last month, train tickets from Philadelphia to Raleigh cost about US$106 when booked at the cheapest time. This is somewhat expensive compared to other train fares, but it makes sense given the route’s long distance. Good news! You can find the cheapest tickets if you book your trip at least 20 days prior to the travel date. You’ll likely pay around US$98.08 more if you wait to book until the last minute.

Average train ticket prices from Philadelphia to Raleigh by travel date

Over the next 30 days, a one-way train trip from Philadelphia to Raleigh will cost between US$78 and US$269. Book in advance to secure the best price in the next few weeks.

Average train ticket prices from Philadelphia to Raleigh by month

Ticket prices for the train from Philadelphia to Raleigh often fluctuate based on the time of year. For the best prices on this route, book in February when the average ticket price is only US$113. If you're thinking of travelling from Philadelphia to Raleigh during November, keep in mind that train ticket prices may be higher than usual, with an average price of US$154 during this time of year. The best way to score a cheap deal, even in November, is to book your trip well in advance.

Prices as travel date approaches

By booking your train trip from Philadelphia to Raleigh on Wanderu at least 20 days ahead of time, you can save about US$98.08 on your ticket. Waiting until the last minute means missing out on these savings!

Which train should you take from Philadelphia to Raleigh?

2 train services operate from Philadelphia to Raleigh. Amtrak usually has more trains scheduled, with 3 trips per day. That said, it's still worth comparing the prices and trip durations:

Train	Daily Trips	Avg. Time	Avg. Price
Amtrak	3	10h 28m	US$162.31
Amtrak Carolinian	1	9h 59m	US$139.60

Amtrak is the largest passenger railway service in America, offering daily intercity trains to hundreds of destinations across the contiguous United States, as well as several cities in Canada. Every Amtrak train comes equipped with comfortable seats with extra legroom, as well as several four-seat areas with tables in the middle. In addition, each car has a freshly cleaned toilet, free WiFi and power sockets at every seat. There are also snack bars where you can purchase drinks or food during your journey. On average, there are 3 Amtrak trains from Philadelphia to Raleigh every day, as well as 4 trips at the weekends, with prices starting from US$63.
The Amtrak Carolinian is a passenger train service which connects New York City and Washington, DC to some of the most charming destinations in North Carolina. The Carolinian runs an average of 1 trip per day between Philadelphia and Raleigh, all of which include seats with extra legroom, free WiFi, power sockets, and snacks available in the Café car. The average Amtrak Carolinian ticket price for this route is US$139.60, and the trip usually lasts around 9 hours and 59 minutes.

Frequently asked questions about travelling by train from Philadelphia to Raleigh

Yes, there are trains that can take you the entire way from Philadelphia to Raleigh. However, there are also some trips on this route that require you to board another vehicle, such as a coach or a shuttle, during your journey. This is worth paying attention to as you book your trip, since a direct train may be preferable for its speed and convenience.

There are 4 scheduled trains on most days. There is one direct train, which you can stay on for the entire journey from Philadelphia to Raleigh. In contrast, taking a non-direct train would require you to transfer trains during your trip. You can also take a train for your return trip from Raleigh to Philadelphia. If you're not set on travelling by train, you could always take the coach from Philadelphia to Raleigh for US$53.

Trains per day

Direct trains

The distance between Philadelphia and Raleigh is approximately 345 miles. The average train journey between these two cities takes 10 hours and 21 minutes, although the absolute fastest you could get there is 8 hours and 46 minutes. Looking for ways to pass the time? Most trains are equipped with Wi-Fi, which means you can stream music, browse social media or get some work done during your ride. That said, in case your train has a patchy signal, or is among the few without Wi-Fi, we also recommend downloading TV shows and films to your mobile device in advance of your trip. That way the ride will fly by whatever the Wi-Fi situation.

Distance (mi)

345

Distance (km)

555

The earliest train departs Philadelphia at 4:20 while the last train of the day leaves at 10:41. To see all scheduled departure times, use the search function on this page to get the full timetable for your specific travel dates.

First train

4:20am

Last train

10:41am

Trains from Philadelphia to Raleigh are the most crowded on Sunday. Tickets also tend to be more expensive then. If you are looking for a great deal on your train tickets or just want extra room to stretch out, consider travelling on Thursday instead, as it tends to be the least crowded day of the week.

Busiest

Sunday

Least crowded

Thursday

City Information

Philadelphia

We may feel a little bit more than just brotherly love for Philadelphia, a city steeped in history and culture. Where else can you channel your inner Rocky Balboa on his epic run, and later enjoy an authentic Philly cheesesteak as a reward?

Philadelphia’s affordability (especially compared to other East Coast cities) is just one of many reasons it is among Wanderu’s best destinations for college students. Another reason is how much there is to do! Early American history takes precedence at Independence Hall and the Liberty Bell, while museums abound on Benjamin Franklin Parkway, sometimes called the most artistic mile in the city. Head to Reading Terminal Market to fuel up for a night hitting the bars, clubs, and live music joints that line South Street.

Philadelphia is a major hub for both Greyhound and Amtrak, and its 30th Street Station is one of the busiest stations in the country. The plentitude of ground travel and the nearby Philadelphia International Airport make this exciting city very easily accessible, even on a budget.

Raleigh

As an up-and-coming smart city, Raleigh has a wide range of activities that will satisfy all kinds of travellers. One of the most famous destinations in the city is the Neuse River Trail, which boasts 28 miles of a scenic path running through Wake Forest. It goes through not only forests but also wetlands, allowing walkers and cyclists to take a breather from the concrete jungle and be one with nature. Raleigh is also a famous research city, so it makes sense to visit the North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences. With a permanent collection that attracts all ages, including whale skeletons and seahorse diorama, the museum is a great spot that you should not miss out on. If you wish to go shopping the old-fashioned way, the Raleigh City Market, which opened more than a century ago, allows you to meander through various small boutiques.

Raleigh’s reputation as a foodie haven is on a steady rise, and it currently houses five different establishments by chef Ashley Christensen, of which Poole’s Diner is particularly noteworthy. If you are looking for authentic North Carolina-style barbecues, Clyde Cooper’s stands among the most popular choices.

Raleigh’s main coach station is located outside of the city centre at 2210 Capital Blvd. The city’s Amtrak station is one of the busiest in the country, and there are daily trains running from Raleigh to New York City, Charlotte and Miami, among other places. The principal airport in the region is the Raleigh–Durham International Airport, which is northwest of Downtown.

Station Information

Where is the train station in Philadelphia?

Main departure station: 30th St Station - 2955 Market St

There is one train station in Philadelphia.

All train stations in Philadelphia:

30th St Station - 2955 Market St

Where is the train station in Raleigh?

Main arrival station: Union Station

The new multi-million dollar facility of Raleigh’s Union Station has quickly become one of the busiest train stations in North Carolina. Since opening in 2018, the station has expanded to serve over 150,000 passengers every year. Raleigh Union Station is an Amtrak station with routes connecting to major cities along the East Coast, including trips to New York City on the Carolinian or as far as Miami on Amtrak’s Silver Service. In addition, Amtrak’s Piedmont service from Charlotte ends its route in Raleigh. The station is a multi-level facility with tracks on the lower platform and retail shops on the main levels. It’s located in the heart of downtown, within a short walk of Nash Square, the CAM Raleigh art museum, and various restaurant options.

Train stations in Raleigh:

Union Station
1025 Blue Ridge Rd

Need a return trip from Raleigh to Philadelphia?

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